Some thoughts from Buenos Aires...

I landed in Buenos Aires on Tuesday 25th, very early in the morning... The air was still full of the excitement and joy of the night before, of the sumptuous celebrations of the re-opening Gala of the Teatro Colón.

And, after many days of awful weather, the sun was shining again!

How wonderful too to be back home, with its scent and all my beloved things that have been with me this past 20 years...

But still it was a National holiday and the most important one: that of the famous May 25th of 1810.

I followed the amazing parade along the Ave. 9 de Julio, the show by Fuerza Bruta and the peaceful pleasure of watching the Argentine people (Three millions? Six millions?) pour into one of the most important avenues in the world to express their love (for once!) to this generous country that received and accepted as own many Italians, Spanish, Germans, Jews, French, etc.: Argentina.

With its virtues and flaws...

Anyway, I also witness the other side of the story on Thursday when I suffered the biggest traffic jam of my life when trying to reach the cocktail held to celebrate Editorial Perfil's Awards. Ave. 9 de Julio was closed for cleaning and restoring, as a lady after a party...

Buses and cars were stuck there... after 45 never-ending minutes to cross 10 blocks, I jumped out of my car and defying the wind, the light rain and the not-so-friendly-stare of the many employees heading to Retiro after a long day of work (Why would they stare at me with kindness? Because of my Oscar de la Renta coat or my Louboutin shoes?), I crossed the Avenue and made it to the Hotel.

On Friday I saw Argentina's National Team departing from Ezeiza's Airport to South Africa for the World Cup and I that almost made my cry... so many hopes, Maradona's promise to celebrate naked at the Obelisco if they won, the passion of the people... So Argentine, so light blue and white, with that touch of drama and nostalgia that makes Argentina so special and unique.

Brasilians, instead, were singing and dancing to samba...

And I loved the picture of the whole team in grey suits with light blue ties, in Etiqueta Negra, so handsome, elegant and united... bearers of the hopes of an entire country.

Me, Italian and with a French last name, will be "supporting" Argentina during this World Cup...

Spring in Paris...

Finally, the good weather is here...

The so-awaited spring exploded in Paris and the Sun shines in thousand shades.

The light, the flowers, the green leaves on trees and a feeling of joy, of holidays coming soon, make of Paris the best place to be around these days...

Parisians are more than happy, specially after a long (really really long) winter, and to celebrate, starting tomorrow and till Tuesday, May 25th, part of the Avenue Champs-Elysées will be transformed into a huge garden: from l'Etoile, where the Arc de Triomphe is, to the Rond-Point, three hectares of nature, from flowers to unique vegetation and small trees. Absolutely no cars on the most famous avenue in the World for 48 hours, everything organised by Nature Capitale to celebrate the International Day of Biodiversity. Of course I'll be stopping by, on foot, to take a look.

With the begining of Spring, Parisian women are starting to show the hotest trends of the season, always with their famous good taste. This year's hit look is based on a garment that used to be synonym to spending time on the beach or for sports... SHORTS.

Transformed today into an urban piece, shorts are mostly seen in denim... and if they have the lining of the pockets coming out, better still!

With what to pair them?

A jacket, long as the short, a stripped t-shirt or a tank top. Don't forget short military boots (on naked legs) or very-strappy-and high-sandals. Of course, to wear this look you must have your legs well-waxed, slightly-tanned and cellulitis-free,

Definitely a modern and young look, which I love!

The place to see and be seen this Spring in Paris is Ralph, the new restaurant on Boulevard St. Germain, on the roof-top of Ralph Lauren's new 4-floor boutique. I had lunch there the other day and it's really nice. Some of the tables are outside and others, inside, all decorated in a very American East Coast style. The menu, ranging from the salad Ralph to the burgers with fries or the lobsters, is extremely tasty. A nice and refined place that is an interesting blend between America and France.

Marrakech

Just three hours away from Paris, you'll find one of the most magical cities I know: Marrakech, in Morocco.

Europeans, specially the French, have chosen it as their favorite destination for holidays, long week-ends or for any other opportunity. It's kind of what happens in Argentina with our beloved Punta del Este, a place of peace to escape.

Except that Marrakech has no sea... but it has plenty to offer to us tourists. I've been to Marrakech several times, I love it and I've just arrived from spending a long week-end there.

Marrakech is known as the Pearl of the South, located by the Atlas mountains. The city was founded by Yusuf Ibn Tasufin, the first of the Almoravid Kings in 1062.
903.589 people live in Marrakech, in its 230 km2. It is the fourth most important city of Morocco, after Casablanca, Rabat and Fez, and it comprises both an old fortified city (the médina) and an adjacent modern city (called Gueliz). The Gueliz is the commercial area and was founded during the French Protectorate. It has a neighborhood called Palmaraie that's so beautiful and luxurious that could rival Beverly Hills. 

And at the same time, in the old city (for me the most interesting part) men use caftan and women burqas... some even wear chador. Time there seems to have stopped. The center of the old city is the busy square Jemaa El Fna, where everything can happen!! Street sellers offer tourists anything from snakes to argan oil (a typical plant of Morocco), black soap, dried fruits and nuts... There's also artists and dancers who perform their shows as they've been doing since the 11th Century.

From the square you enter the souk, a huge market where is easy to get lost and where you'll find everything... embroidered caftans, crafted jewelry, fabrics, bags... so much to look at... The smell of cumin, turmeric or paprika mingles with that of amber, musk and sandalwood... it's the smell of Marrakech!!

Another sight to highlight is the Majorelle Gardens, one of the most beautiful gardens in the world and where you'll find all types of cactus.

And the food! A pleasure, with the scented couscous, the tagines and the patisserie...

A place to visit and return many many times...

With a dry weather and a sun than shines 300 days a year!!!

More on fashion...

All the clothes I've been describing on previous posts are easy to match between them and can be highlighted with different accesories. If I travel somewhere hot, I always carry a bikini and a summery dress in orange or salmon pink. If it's winter and it's cold, I pack a pair of boots.

It is generally recommended that basic pieces should be bought in neutral colors, such as black, white or beige. However, each of us know which are the colors that look good on our skin. To a woman with a very pale skin type a total-black-look would probably enhance her paleness. This is why it's important to choose other elegant options in the color palette, such as brown or blue. My favorite colors are orange, emerald green and red. They work good with my skin. For more classic pieces, I prefer black or marine blue.

I feel so lucky to have enough room to keep all my clothes! I find it hard to give them away. I cherish and keep them with care and love, because each of them remind me of a special occasion, they carry part of my soul. I look after them and protect them with discipline, I brush them, pay for good dry-cleaning services (unfortunately there's no saving here...) and if they get stained at a party,  it's the first place I go the morning after. I promptly send everything that needs fixing to the tailor's for I don't keep anything in my wardrobe that is not ready to be used when I want to. I've invested in wooden hangers, with bold shoulders and I protect my dresses from dust and light by keeping them in plastic covers. I place sweaters and t-shirts on shelves, so they don't loose their shape, and in drawers I keep my underwear and bikinis. I use fragances and anti-moth methods.

A tidy and coherent wardrobe is enjoyable and speaks for yourself. It will help you decide what to wear each morning and prevent you from panic if you happen to have an event. And if you have choosen your clothes consciously and kept them with care, your wardrobe will age with you. A bad clothing choice could increase or reduce our age. What looked great in our twenties could become a disaster in our forties. An elegant woman knows what favors her age. As we always say here, in our blog, personal style has nothing to do with the years on our ID. It's a matter of attitude. When you are twenty, it's time to experiment. When you are thirty, you mature. And when you are forty, you enjoy. Dressing correctly is so much more effective than a plastic surgery!! Elegance is accepting who you are now. And if you work up to preserve your arms and legs, you'll be able to show them at any age.

Anyway, there's things I don't recommend, no matter how fit you might be... In your 40s and 50s, you have to avoid making a fool of yourself: white socks, weird ballerinas, extravagant stuff... that is, everything that looks too Paris Hilton!!

"Basic" pieces in any wardrobe...

In most books on fashion and style, there's always a chapter dedicated to the basics and must-haves in any wardrobe, what you could call a "uniform" of elegance. There are garments, such as jeans, a white shirt or the well-known little black dress, that could find their place in any wardrobe. However, it's our life and activities  thatthe ones dictate which are our basics. And it is also true that we surely possess more than just basics in our wardrobe. That's why I believe that the must-haves vary from woman to woman and to be able to name mines I must remember what I always pack when travelling...

1. A pair of jeans.

Why? Because they look good with almost everything, from a t-shirt to a sequined top. As it is such a popular garment, designers produce different variations every season to encourage constant purchase.

How? I prefer them in a classic fit, straight or slightly evaseé, in a medium rise that flatters my butt.

2. A long-sleeve white shirt.

Why? Because paired with the jeans or a black skirt you can go everywhere. The white shirt is an iconic piece of style. In spite of being so simple, it communicates freshness and sense, and its delicate color makes it very aristocratic (not conceived for activities that require getting dirty!). It's a basic available to every budget, refined and little pretentious. And will sure light up your face!

How? 100% cotton and slightly fitted. It must be impeccable (a yellowy white would spoil it completely) and perfectly-well ironed.

3. A knee-lenght black dress.

Why? La petite robe noire, created by Coco Chanel in 1926, is the ultimate mistake-free basic. It's comfortable, sexy and flatters any body shape.

How? Simple enough to be natural, sexy without being vulgar and elegant to prove that the woman carrying it has good taste. I prefer those that are sleeveless, with round collar and no cleveage. It's so versatile that you can use it for a cocktail, a party or a funeral.

4. A black skirt

Why? Because it's a perfect match for the white shirt and together they create a perfectly elegant outfit.

How? Pencil-like or slightly evaseé, made of a fabric resistant to wrinkles. It must be over the knee, because that's a length that doesn't add extra age.

5. A black cashmere cardigan.

Why? Because it's excellent to protect you from the chill, soft, light and smooth. Cashmere is spinned from a soft layer of internal wood that a particular specie of goat, that lives in the mountains of China, Mongolia, Afganistan and Iran, uses to protect itself from the cold. It is said that between 60 and 90 grams of this wood is taken from each goat and that 250 grams of it is needed for a single woman sweater... This is why 100% cashmere sweaters are so expensive... Of course you can find less pure options for lower prices, but they'd probably won't last that much...

How? Slightly fitted to your shape.

6. A black mid-season coat.

Why? Because it's an elegant piece to bring out every outfit.

How? Not too heavy, nor to light, enough to switch comfortably between seasons and weathers when travelling...

7. A denim jacket.

Why? Because paired with the little black dress you get to have a really cool young ensamble. And used with  the black skirt and the white shirt, you create another very decontracté look...

How? Not too big, nor too short.

8. A pair of black shoes.

Why? Because high heels bring out the curves of our body and, by toughening our muscles, make our legs and ankles look thinner. To compensate the equilibrium in the new height, we tend to walk more elegantly and sexy. For many, using heels implies power and authority, because they sure are uncomfortable to use while doing hard work. They seemed to exist only for those in command.

How? I prefer slingbacks, with 8-cm-heels... But if I really want to feel glamorous, I use 14-cm-high heels... and I do pay attention while walking, fighting hard to avoid falls!!

9. A pair of shinny earrings to use at night.

Why? Because if they are not too exagerated and don't compete with our outfit, they light up our face and complement our look.

How? Not vulgar, nor tiny, good enough so they don't produce allergies. No need to be of authentic rocks. Stores as H&M have great options in good prices...

10. A pair of sunglasses for day.

Why? Because they bring instant glamour and are perfect allies to hide tired eyes after a long flight.

How? That depends on the structure of your face. You have to try them to see which ones fit you best.

Now, you tell me which are the must-haves you can't live without...

Les Saints de Glace...

Et voilà... je suis à Paris!!!

And what a cold weather (quite rare this time around) was waiting for me in Europe: 6°C minimum - 11°C maximum... this in spite of being in the middle of Spring for the northern hemisphere!

Anyway, there's plenty of trees in blossom everywhere: lilacs, roses, jasmines, and lots of very green leaves in my beloved Parc Monceau... so weird to see this with grey skies and people dressed as if it was February!

In the south of France, near Marseille, today they had 40 cm of snow...

Does this mean that the end of the World, so many times described by authors as Corman McCarthy or Ray Bradbury, has finally caught up with us?

"Not at all!," an old aunt of mine told me when she visited me yesterday, "it's Les Saints de Glace..."

What does that mean?

Les Saints de Glace are an old French legend according to which, every year, in May, it is common to have cold weather till after the three days of the Saints: that is, after the 11, 12 and 13th, when we remember Saint Mamert, Saint Pancrace and Saint Servais. Since remote pagan eras, it is believed that around these three days an odd phenomenon takes place, replacing the heat of Spring and producing great damages in crops, plants and trees already with flowers and in bloom. Farm people pray to the three Saints for mercy and ask for milder colds...

In all the years I've been spending May in Paris, I do not remember a time when we have not suffered the cold of Les Saints de Glace...

Anyway, apart from the weather, people in Paris are busy discussing the new book by philosopher Michel Onfray, "Crépuscule d'une idole," where he analyses the worst aspects and facts of Sigmund Freud's life... quite a controversy has he caused!

They are also into the unorthodox conduct of many football players of France's National Team... many of who could be left out of the World Cup in punishment...

We'll see what happens quite soon...

More on clothes...

Let's talk some more about clothes... specially since you've been sending me so many questions lately...

We must be sincere on this: thinking of renovating our entire wardrobe each season is insane... or even worst... I think it's rather obscene, specially now that we are facing economic meltdown and unemployment everywhere. Around the world it is being said that the "Era of Luxury" is coming to an end and consumers are asking for quality and, above all, price.

Bearing all this in mind, I'd like to give you some advice on how to give shape to your wardrobe without having a panic attack every season: 

- When in doubt, go for a classic piece instead of something too trendy.

- Know to appreciate and recognize the differences of quality between fabrics (leather, cashmere, silk) and of tailoring, because this is what sums up to the final price. Handmade clothes are expensive. Read the labels to know what cares the garment requires. Do not buy those things you are not willing to care as they should.

- Remember that the final price of something is also given by the status and image of the brand. If you are not comfortable with this, shop on more generic stores. It's not worth complaining. It's the industry. H&M or Topshop are great examples of trendy stores (they even hire well-known designers to create exclusive lines) with excellent pricing. They can be found on many cities around the globe. I hope they would soon come to Argentina... Anyway, we have a lot of chic and cheap stores here too: find those which suit your budget best...

- Always buy the size appropriate to your body now. Do not buy a piece expecting to put down some weight to use it. It is not our body the one to fit into clothes... it's clothes what should fit into our body perfectly.

- Too-tight things are no longer trendy. Clothes that slightly follow our curves are the best to hide imperfections and they give freedom of movement and air of elegance.

- When necessary and if available, use the tailoring service of the boutique. If not provided, find one you can trust and modify all your clothes to your taste. Only we know what looks great on us. Me, for example, I like skirts and short dresses to be over my knees so I always modify the hems to that length... no matter if it's an Oscar de la Renta...

- When having to decide, it's better to buy one expensive good piece than 5 really cheap.

- Choose those fabrics that feel good on your skin and prefer cuts that enhance your body.

- When the season of sales arrive, do not buy things that don't go with your style or won't sum up to your wardrobe. No matter how cheap they can be. You'll end up not using it and you would have wasted your money!!!

I hope these tips help you feel good about the clothes you have in your wardrobe and buy rationally next time!

We and the clothes...

Let's talk about clothes...

Why deny it? Fashion is an important part of my life, I live by it every day. I read, follow and study the trends of every season from various maisons and I enjoy it very much. I do so not as a potential designer, but to understand them, adapt them to my style and advise others who seek my opinion.

I do not think of myself as shallow for it and I believe that there's a false misjudgment usually related to those of us who enjoy fashion. Let me say this straight: fashion trends reflect the historical moments faced by our societies, and to understand them correctly you must have some general knowledge. Since forever, fashion has absorbed and adapted details from diverse artistic or literary expressions (there are hundreds of examples of collaboration between designers, painters, musicians, architects...) and knowing about them, being a good reader and observer, allows us to understand the reasons behind everything we use daily and ultimately enjoy the whole process of dressing up. Of course, there are those who get dressed just not to hit the streets naked. I consider myself lucky because I'm able to choose what I wear everyday and I do so knowing that I am part of the last link in a long chain that involves the work of many and which intimately reflects the joys, fears and hopes of the World we live in.

That said, and no longer afraid of criticism, I won't deny that my house is a huge closet: I love clothes, shoes and bags. I am very meticulous and tidy. I register every new piece I buy on a journal where I write all of its details and the date I bought them. However, I do not consider myself a shop-aholic. I've been investing in my wardrobe for years. That's why I don't need to renovate it completely season after season. I've always preferred good-tailoring, high-quality pieces, even if they are simple basics, because they last longer. A good black Chanel suit is classic and everlasting. 

I'm a passionate advocate for rational shopping. I know perfectly well what I have in my closet and when about to buy something new, I think carefully how I'm going to use it and how it will mingle with the things I already have... I only buy what I need. As for dresses, I decide according to which and in how many events I'll be using it and how they'll work with the accessories I have at home. It is a myth that I don't repeat dresses: I just try to use them in different meetings, with different crowds. I even like using pieces from passed seasons, updating them with a modern touch. 

If possible, going shopping shouldn't be an improvised matter. Going shopping when depressed, unsure or willing to hide some other problem will end up pushing us to buy things we don't need or will never use. For an effective rational shopping, you must have time and the will to try every piece, knowing why you need it. Fashion trends are so different and there's so much to choose from, that it's very easy to make mistakes. There are thousands of marketing techniques in malls and stores to push us to the cashiers, as for example, no windows (so we don't see as time goes by), escalators on opposite sides of the mall (so we have to walk the entire floor to reach them), nice scents and "magic" mirrors that somehow make us look thinner. Everything is arranged for us to lose our heads and money! So it's important to stay in focus.

I'll be telling you more on how to give shape to your wardrobe... wait up!

Buon Compleanno Franco!!!

As an Italian living in Argentina for a long time now, I feel very proud of having met and being a close friend to Franco Macri, a true advocate of both my countries. Today he celebrates 80 glorious years. 

I've just returned from his birthday party, given by his family so he could celebrate with all his friends who, although different in age and origin, share the same love and respect towards him.

Franco arrived to Buenos Aires as many other immigrants alrmost 60 years ago. He first had construction companies and the rest, how he made his fortune and became one of the most important businessmen in Argentina, is publicly known. What many don't know for sure it's what behind his public persona, his father-to-five-children, women-lover character: his enormous generosity, sense of humor and solidarity to the needy. 

Looking as if he was 20 years less, tonight he celebrated a well-lived life, surrounded by his loved ones, many of who expressed their unconditional love towards him in a heartfelt video. He's ready to keep working, discovering new things, promoting connections with different cultures, such as the Chinese, which he recently discovered and is fascinated by it.

That might possible be the secret to his youthfulness: having always new projects and nice women to conquer.

Happy Birthday dear Franco!

Plastic surgeries: yes or no?

I've been meaning to write a post on this for some time now, mainly because you readers ask me constantly about my views on the matter, and then because it is of course rather a current issue... such so that the serious, intellectual and political French magazine "Le Point" dedicated its April 8th cover story (with 16-inside-pages) to the new plastic surgeries. 

As I spend an important part of the year in Argentina, which, next to USA and Brazil, is possibly the country where more interventions are registered, I do have clear ideas on the subject!

Personally I have nothing against plastic surgeries...  However I must confess that nowadays I tend to favor more-preventing-and-less-invasive techniques (laser, botox, LED, etc.), mainly because I've developed a growing panic towards operating rooms and anesthesia!! Yes, yes, I know... Today's anesthesia is not what it used to be, it's more local and less aggressive but still... In fact, because of my fear I've never been courageous enough to get my nose fixed (even when everyone was having nose jobs!) and I see a face -lifting as something very far from me now... 

But I do know a lot about surgeries, because I'm fascinated by them... I even loved watching Nip/Tuck's episodes... even those of Extreme Makeover... I guess that's where I got my fear to operating rooms...

Anyway, today plastic surgeries have become so accessible that our body is no longer a burden given to us by birth but something that can be modified, transformed and molded. The cult of Beauty has become a common ideology to human beings, as philosopher Isabelle Queval recognizes. 

I believe that used with moderation it is a great tool to lift your self-esteem and strengthen your personality... However, I repeat, my actual lifestyle philosophy seeks prevention (eating less and working-out more instead of liposuction) and changing our everyday habits: less sunbathing, no alcohol, no drugs, no cigarettes, more good-night sleeps... Of course, if your nose is too evident or you are uncomfortable with your bust size... why not?

There are great surgeons around the world, many of which are true artists and capable of producing miracles... I remember meeting Ivo Pitanguy, now 83, some time ago. He was one of the first and greatest surgeons, who did both cosmetic and repair surgeries, mainly to children severely burned. He has taught many of today's professionals. 

It's true also that many interventions have become so common that there's a website, SurgeonHouseCall.com, where if you send the picture of what you wish to modify, and after answering some key questions, in a matter of hours, you receive a bunch of budgets and professional contacts willing to take your case.

What can I say? It seems so easy and complicated at the same time... Each one knows what to do to feel better about oneself...

You can read the cover story of Le Point (in French) here.

Philippe Starck in Buenos Aires!

Although not for the first time, Philippe Starck is in Argentina...

I've just met him personally today, at the cocktail held to announce the launch of the new Yoo buildings at Nordelta, inspired and designed by Starck. Charming, funny and smart, dress in a fashion only permitted to artists and of course, with a lovely brunette by his side.

But who is Starck?

Philippe Starck was born in Paris on January 18th, 1949. He studied at Notre Dame de Santa-Cruz in Neuilly-sur-Seine and then at the Nissim de Camondo school in Paris. But he spent most of his childhood playing under his father's desk (an airplane designer), cutting, pasting and nailing stuff to bikes, motorcicles and other everyday objects. He liked doing and re-doing the world surrounding him.

Although he became Pierre Cardin's artistic director by the age of 20 and by the seventies he was already designing furniture and interior decoration, it was by the 1980s that he became internationally popular. In 1979 he founded his enterprise "Starck Products" and many Italian editors began to commission furniture pieces. The President of France asked him to redecorate some rooms at the Elysée Palace. He also decorated the traditional Café Costes, on Rue Faubourg-Saint-Honoré, and designed Paris' National Decorative Arts School and Bordeaux's Airport's Control Tower. Also in Paris, he decorated Jean-Paul Gaultier's boutique and two restaurants: Bon and Bon 2.

But, he also took his unique style outside of France, to the main cities of world. In New York he designed the Royalton and the Paramount, the first of his classics in hotel decor. Also the Hudson. In Hong Kong, he decorated the Peninsula Hotel, followed by the Delano Hotel en Miami, the Mondrian in Los Angeles, the Clift in San Francisco and the Faena in Buenos Aires. In London, apart from Gaultier's boutique, he also did the Sanderson hotel and the San Martin's Lane. He has many other works in the making in Australia, Turkey and Mexico. Museums around the world are happy to exhibit his art.

Brilliantly crazy and smart, he is a breathless artist, drawing out of necessity and pleasure, for himself and for others. For Philippe Starck, design is not only a tool for creating daily-life objects, it is above all an act of creation that mixes passions, desires, motivations, quests and our perception of our environment and world. In each of his designs he puts his heart, creating objects that are often good other than just pretty. 

Have you seen the juicer he did for Alessi?

In today's cocktail I heard him say that he loves Buenos Aires...

Men's Style...

This post is dedicated to all my male readers, who sometimes feel forgotten in so many posts for the girls and none for you, boys!

To begin with, I must say that my approach on the subject is very classical. Nothing looks more elegant on a man than a good tailored blue jacket, a grey trouser in winter or creamy one in summer and a light blue shirt. Maybe it's because I'm Italian and most men there dress like this, specially since it was established as fashion by the late Gianni Agnelli, Fiat's owner and Italy's most elegant man. His style was unique and the way he carried a grey suit, in a mixture of informality and class, was hard to imitate. In general, Italian and English men are among the best dressed on the entire Planet. 

Oh, and also Argentine Polo players, who dazzle women around the world!

Hence, here some tips...

- Dark colors, as blue and black, are great for the afternoon/night, while light grey and beige (specially in Summer) are best for day.

- A Tuxedo is THE most elegant piece to have. 

- Know this: it's easier to make mistakes with comfortable, every-day clothes. For example, caps or hats... Caps should be used only for what they were invented for: outdoor recreation and protection from sun. It's pointless to use them when in a restaurant and it looks horrible. Even worst if used backwards.

- Shorts must be a little over the knee, not shorter or longer. 

- Modern t-shirts with bold colors or prints look good only on young guys. It's best to invest in some Polo t-shirts in luminous colors, such as pink, turquoise or green. They help you look very youthful. 

Of course, the same rules of style for women apply to men: always step in front of the mirror and look at yourself carefully. The aim is to hide flaws!

I do not believe that a huge budget is necessary to be an elegant man. In fact I know a lot of people that with wit and a good eye know how to be very stylish (my friend Roberto, for example). It should be easier for men than it is for women, specially because male fashion changes less rapidly... if you go for classic pieces, your wardrobe could last a lifetime!

Best tailors for men? Caraceni in Milano, any of the ones on Savile Row in London and Cheverny in Buenos Aires.

Easter vacation in Punta del Este...

You ask me, what to do during this mini-vacation in Punta?

Well, if the weather's nice as it's being predicted, I would recommend to enjoy the beach and the sea. It's a rule that then, in April, Fall shows up unexpectedly... and bye-bye to the sun till October!

There are also plenty of movies to see at the Hoyts, as Tim Burton's "Alice in Wonderland," and "Where are the Morgans?," featuring Sarah Jessica Parker and Hugh Grant. Others will premiere on April 1st.

Of course, it's always a good chance to meet with friends and go out to dinner. Many restaurant will close till Spring after Easter. Others, opened all year long, such as La Bourgogne, Bungalow Suizo and La Huella, are great options to have lunch or dinner. Then, at la Barra or by the seaport, there's plenty of charming places to eat under the starry night and enjoy the moon (Today!).

On Thursday, at the Conrad Hotel, Mexican singer Paulina Rubio will be giving a concert.

Punta del Este certainly offers something to everyone!

To be well dressed, you must be well naked...

I've received many messages from our readers asking me what I think about Elegance and its laws. I do appreciate you putting me as a judge on the matter, but I believe that here no rules apply... 

It is important first of all to have a clear idea of ourselves, of who we are, how we look in front of the mirror...

I like to think of myself as a hanger. Why? Because I strongly believe that clothes are not everything... You have to know how to wear them, carry them. And that is given by your body, your own personal hanger, the one that will help you to really show off what you are wearing...

Style for me is the air, the allure, achieved by the correct, dedicated and methodical care of your body and the confidence in yourself and in what you are capable of. It has to do with your way of thinking, living, seeing things. That's why style can't be bought on a shopping spree, no matter how much we spend. Nor does it has to do with fashion or the latest trends. All that is temporary. Style, however, as it is a product of our personality, lasts longer, defines us. 

On a recent interview on US' Vanity Fair, my beloved Oscar de la Renta explained that the difference between Fashion and Style is that Fashion has to do with getting dressed according to the latest trends, while style is more about being oneself. "To be well dressed, you must be well naked... Comfortable in your own skin."

However, you must not think of Style as something still, but mainly as something that can be re-educated, developed and updated every day, every morning, according to our state of mind and mood.

This is why I do not recall a certain date as origin to my sense of style, for it has suffered transitions along my life, becoming what it is today, without me being very conscious of its changes.

To work on your own Style, it is important to build a relationship with the mirror, because it can became your best friend but also the cruelest of your enemies. You need to invest on a good mirror, big enough to reflect your entire body, head to toes, and good enough to have no imperfections or waves that may distort your reflection.

You must place it on a convenient spot, where you could step in front of it comfortable and with enough room to turn around. Good lighting is essential, for if not you'll see flaws where there are none. In my house, all the doors in my dressing room have mirrors and I also have huge ones on my bathroom, because that's where I get dressed and apply my make-up.

The image reflected by the mirror is the result of the intimate combination between your inside and your outside. The outside needs creams, lotions, beauty treatments and exercise. Your inside is nurtured with books, good movies, exhibitions, happy experiences, friendship, meditation. The perfect connection between the two of them will result in your hanger.

As George Bryan Brummel said, Elegance is movement. He was a dandy, a snob, a true original that was never afraid of his sense of style nor of his will to impose that style on others. He spent a fortune on clothes. He is credited with introducing and establishing as fashion the modern men's suit, worn with a tie. He worshipped the difficult and impossible art of being "conspicuously inconspicuous." He must have done so once or twice during his busy life...

Fashion in Buenos Aires...

I've been reflecting this afternoon on how hard it is to design a fashion collection in Argentina today...

First of all because of the economic limitation we all are aware of: not many dare to import exclusive and expensive fabrics from abroad, loaded with terrible taxes and then face the risk of a devaluation stuck with unsold merchandise. 

Then there's the issue of the past or coming Seasons, which never coincide with those showcased in New York, Milan or Paris. I mean, what we see in Buenos Aires these days is mainly a leftover of what was presented abroad a year ago, without being able to reflect what was seen on international runways two weeks ago... because there's simply no time!

Most certainly, too, there are some influences of Spring-Summer 2010's trends, which already crowd all main fashion magazines... 

So what to expect from a Fall-Winter 2010 Argentine collection?

Of course, none of these apply to those very creative designers (two or three) who present mostly local trends, but which do not fit everyone. 

All these thoughts crossed my mind as I sat watching Menage à Trois' runway show today, at the Sheraton Hotel, surrounded by the "It" women of Buenos Aires. Menage à Trois is a respectful label, its owner, Amelia, is lovely and she dresses many of the refined and elegant women in town.

What was shown was inspired in Valentino, Oscar de la Renta, Lanvin, Prada, etc., but that mixture of trends instead of becoming weird, was certainly charming. Correctly adapted to its clientele, the outfits were presented by beautiful models, all of them carrying their hair in a low untidy bun, very chic and elegant.

I liked the jewelry: big and shinny earrings and necklaces with huge stones, very Swarovski. The dominant color was definitely black, with some sparks of red, mainly on party dresses. And as an exotic detail, a leopard imprimé fabric that worked perfectly when paired with black lace. 

Brava Amalia... As I was saying in the beginning of this post, it takes a lot of courage to do fashion here...!!

Menage à Trois, Fall-Winter 2010

(Photos: Courtesy of mass+ Grupo PR)

Just for women...

"Patricia, do you have some extra advice other than that of your great post on Paris? I have four really cool friends traveling there and they were fascinated by your post... Any more tips? They are between 35 and 45, single, really nice... Kisses!"

This nice message was left to me by an Argentine girl and I couldn't help coming up with a new list of personal tips for this four friends visiting the "Ville Lumière"...

1. Get to know Parisian underwear... I do not know another city with such refinement as that of French lingerie. Start with the tiny and famous boutique Sabbia Rosa, on Rue des Saints-Pères, where you'll find satin ensembles of every color, lace and silk petticoats, so short and... sexy! Madonna shops there every time she's in town. They also provide taylor-made pieces. 

A 100 meters apart, on Rue de Grenelle, always in St. Germain, kind of hidden, you'll find Carine Gilson's store. She's a designer from Belgium and does really refined and exclusive pieces... Silk kimonos with their "nuisettes," culottes or shorties paired with soutiens, everything in a mixture of colors as orange with green lace, or violet with pink details. Totally worth it!

However, if you are on a budget, you can find great pieces in H&M Lingerie Store, at the Passage des Halles, behind Printemps, one of the two big department stores of Boulevard Haussmann.

2. You must also visit one of the many H&M stores spread around Paris. My favorite is precisely that of Boulevard Haussmann, between Galerie Lafayette and Printemps. It has amazing prices and it's a must for all those Parisian girls how love mixing an expensive Balmain jacket, with leggings, and H&M t-shirt and an Hermès bag. Twice or three times a year, a famous designer creates an entire collection exclusively for H&M: Karl Lagerfeld, Roberto Cavalli, Jimmy Choo, Matthew Williamson have already been called and, most recently, Sonia Rykiel. In fact, Rykiel's was presented on February 20th and shoppers started waiting in line outside the store around 5:30 am. Doors were opened at 9 am and by 9:50 am there was nothing left...!

3. If you are into vintage shopping, you must take a look at Scarlett, on Rue Clermont Marot. As a modern Ali Baba's cave, this store has suits, bags and lots of Chanel jewelry. For me, the best vintage store in town.

4. You might probably know it, but the temple for "branchitude" (that is, what's in vogue) is definitely Colette, on Rue St. Honoré. A concept-store with many brands where you'll always find the latest on world trends. It has clothes, make-up products, jewelry, music and even a restaurant. I go as if I was visiting a museum: most of the times I buy nothing, but I capture with my eyes  the latest creations by famous designers and some that soon will be. Do not miss it!

5. Visiting one of Christian Louboutin's stores is also mandatory. I like the oldest one, that of Rue Jean-Jacques Rousseau. And it's near an old arcade also worth seeing: the passage Vero-Dodat.

6. I love walking around the boutiques of the Palais Royal gardens, which are a mixture of modernity and antiquity. It's a wonderful place. Do not forget to visit the perfume store of Serge Lutens, absolutely unique...

7. If you want to see what a true Middle-East Hamman is like, visit the Hamman du Marais, on Rue des Blanc-Manteaux. Try the oriental waxing, with caramel and lemon... It will leave your skin divine!

8. After so much sight-seeing, have dinner at Mathis, on Rue de Ponthieu. On one side you have the restaurant, chic but a little decadent, and on the other, there's the bar, for the after-dinner. The most interesting and attractive men in town use it as headquarters...

Enjoy!

Things I wasn't able to do in Paris...

I reach my seat at Air France flight AF 418... "la navette," as we like to call it, we being all those who live between Buenos Aires and Paris, constantly traveling between them, two cities so different from each other and yet so similar, almost as sisters separated by birth.

Anyway, as I was saying, I get comfortable in my seat with my super classic Chanel black dress (circa 1998) and my black Manolo Blahnik slingbacks (circa 1999), an outfit I use every time I take this flight for good-luck, and as I get ready to cross the Atlantic, fly the 11.112 km to my destination and spend the next 12 hours and 35 minutes here, I get to thinking of all those things I could have done in Paris but was not able to...

So I decided to write a top-ten list of them:

1. See Roman Polanski's new movie "The Ghost Writer," featuring Ewan Mc Gregor and Pierce Brosnan... The controversial and usually talented director finished editing it after the time he spent in a Swiss prison for a crime he committed almost 30 years ago. It is said to be a great thriller which I really want to see...!

2. Dress according to the new military style which will be "the look" of 2010 Spring-Summer season... It couldn't be: too cold all the time... For the same reason, I could not use my new 14-cm-high Gucci sandals...

3. Go to the Musée d'Orsay to see the new exhibition called "Crime et Châtiment," or Crime and Punishment, which takes a period of almost two centuries, from 1791, when Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau asked for the abolition of the Death Sentence till September 30th, 1981, when its abolition was finally voted in France. During those 200 years, literature and art created numerous criminals. The name of the exhibit itself is taken from one of Dostoievki's works. A real guillotine from the French Revolution  is showcased in the museum.

4. Go see my friend Arielle Dombasle's Music Hall at the La Cigale theatre, mainly because she is incredibly talented and fun, and a little because I'd like to see Jean-Paul Gaultier's costume, specially designed for her...

5. Take a gym class at the Klay Club, where they teach the latest pilates techniques mixed with weight lifting. 

6. Take the Bateaux-Mouche and sail around the Seine as a first-time tourist, taking pictures of all the monuments!!!

7. Have a beauty treatment at the Biologique Recherche Institute, on Champs-Elysées Ave., one of Paris finest, which state-of-the-art products are specially designed to bring oxygen and tighten tissues. 

8. Return to the "L'Avenue" restaurant, to have once again the wild salmon with avocato vinagrette... so tasty!!!

9. Stop by the Café de Flore, to breathe the air of that temple to the germano-pratin (those who live in St. Germaine-des-Prés).

10. Admire for the tenth time the windows of Lydia Courteille's jewelry store on Rue St. Honoré...

All this must wait then...

Au revoir Paris...

Hello Buenos Aires!

Forever YSL...

As the cherry in the cake of this frenetic and amazing (at least for me) Fashion Week in Paris, today I went to the Avant-première of the retrospective exhibition dedicated to Monsieur Yves Saint Laurent, le plus grand parmi les grands...

At the Musée des Beaux Arts de la Ville de Paris, located at the Petit Palais, from March 11th to August 29th, 300 of Saint Laurent's creations will be shown to the public on a display set and supervised by Pierre Bergé, long-time partner to YSL and also his manager and heir. 

In the Fashion World, Saint Laurent receives the admiration and respect of a Royal Highness... which he certainly was!

To visit such an exhibition I felt I had to wear a design of his, and what could be best that one of his trademarks... the smoking!

So I rescued my old, yet impeccable, black smoking circa 1995... so well cut in a grain de peau no longer available. It fitted me perfectly, except for the length of the trouser, not because I'd have grown since then but because in 1995 I used 8 cm-tall heels and now I only go out with 14 cm-tall shoes!!!

(Note to me: I'll lengthen the hem tomorrow!)

I felt as a servant paying homage to her Fashion God as I entered the Petit Palais...

So much people were waiting outside, trying to get inside or grab an invitation to do so... maybe hundreds... all of them facing the deep winter cold of Parisian nights...

But it was worth it, just to see those designs that now have become masterpieces, some inspired by trips (mostly to Marrakech), paintings (Van Gogh's, Mondrian's...), or cultures (for example, Russian), also all his creations for the movie business, such as the amazing costume worn by Catherine Deneuve in "Belle du Jour."

I was so impressed by the smoking section, with all its variations: with skirt, as a dress, short, long... never-ending versions of a unique concept. A concept that spoke of the freedom in women to dress as men but still keep intact her femininity and seduction...

It was not enough for me... I have to go back again, maybe several times...

So much to see... impossible to see it all once...

Lucian Freud and me...

This afternoon I've been to the avant-première of the most awaited exhibition of the year: that of Lucian Freud at the Centre Pompidou.

It's been a while since his work was last shown in Paris: in fact, since precisely 1987, with his last retrospective. But his talent and fame was grown so much since then!! He is said to be the most expensive living artist, specially since his painting "Big Sue" (a naked portrait of Susie Tilley sunk on a couch) was auctioned for 33 million dollars in 2008.

As you probably know, he is the grandson of Sigmund Freud, was born in Berlin in 1922 but has been living in England since 1939. He started out as an illustrator (a very talented one indeed) but his art changed completely when he first met Francis Bacon, another great English artist. Since then his work suffered radical changes and became utterly cruel: his portraits, as also his self-portraits, picture bodies on the verge of decomposing, mostly completely naked, or women beaten by the action of Time, with clinical realism. He even made a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II of England, but not much is known of the procedure for he is also famous for having a temper!

He has always had a passion for women, specially young ones, and it is said that he has about 40 children between the legitimate and the illegitimate ones. He does not enjoy leaving his country, even less his house and atelier, where it is said that he paints completely naked.

He lives with his assistant, Dawson, who acts as personal secretary, model and even cook if required!

So back to this afternoon, it was the Minister of Culture himself (Frédéric Mitterand) who greeted special guests at the entrance of the Pompidou. Fifty paintings in total, divided into 4 rooms: indoors, outdoors, self-portraits and giant naked works.

Everything wonderful to me, specially now that I'm particularly sensitive to his work, but I do understand that some of his paintings might be rather shocking to others...

... But that's how Art is, right?

As I was walking around the exhibition I saw a tall thin man with magnetic blue eyes. A younger man was standing next to him... suddenly I realized... it was he, Lucian Freud himself!!!

I almost faint! After considering it for a couple of seconds, I couldn't help it anymore and instead of regretting it for my entire life, I walked to him, shook his hand and said: "I want to express my admiration, you the most big artist for me!!! Sorry for my English, but I'm Italian..."

So he took my hand, smiled and said something I could not understand because I was in such a state of emotions... but he was gentle and kind.

I stood still in embarrassment and hot red as a tomato... I never blush!!!

But I did it and was able to overcome my shyness...

The opportunity of a lifetime...

Painter at work, reflection. 1993

Lanvin Hiver 2011: a wonderful runway-show!

I've crossed all of Paris today to attend to Alber Elbaz runway show for Lanvin today...

And it was totally worth it!!!

It was enough for me with the party mood that could be felt outside of the Halle Freyssinet, on the 13th arrondisement: a terribly uncomfortable place to reach, which however was absolutely crowded in spite of the unbearably cold weather that has unleashed over Paris...

A thousand guests, including all (and I mean it) the fashion editors of the entire planet!

At least a 100 photographers, although I might have run short...

The arrival itself was a show: paparazzi and bloggers fought hard between them to get a glimpse of the fashionistas, always carrying the latest trends...

When crossing the entrance, we were met by a huge 100-mts-runway with five stands on each side... Out of the blue, or maybe because of my friend Fabien Bonnin, of Lanvin, I was seated between French Vogue Carine Roitfeld, Italian Vogue Franca Sozzani and Anna Piaggi, a usual guest of these shows, with her weird hats. Anna Wintour and her lovely daughter Bee were just in front of me... I could not have asked for a better place!!!!

Flashes struck every time a celebrity arrived: Jade Jagger, Juliette Binoche, Cecile Cassel, Nathalie Baye... but of course the most followed by photographers was fashion Empress herself: Anna Wintour, who stared at them indifferently... 

The last to arrive was writer Danielle Steel, wrapped in a coat bigger than herself...

Exactly at 6.20 pm an army of men dresses in black overalls lifted the plastic covering the runway as lights started fading. A perfectly rhythmic music marked the beginning of the show as models started to appear from behind a black velvet curtain. All of them carried black shoulder-length wigs with fringes... impossible to recognize who they were! Clear make-up, blackened eyes and no lipstick. Short skirts, bare legs and booties, some of them with thick straps around the ankle, which made them look as sandals. And of course, the unique style of Lanvin: drapes, coats with feathers or long-hair-furs, embroiders and excessive jewelry. Lots of black, most of it, and some no-colors, as beige or grey...

Girls walk the runway and climb a snail-like stair. A ten-minute show, 50 models, 50 looks... and a grand finale with R&B Soul music of the 70s... All together, they walk the runway again, as an army of clones... so shocking!!

After them, comes he. Alber Elbaz does a timid appearance to salute and is received with a general ovation, as a true artist deserves... short and rather fat, he looks like a panda bear... so tender...

Bravo Alber!!

Here goes the video of the show... I hope you'll enjoy it as much as I did!

2011 Fall-Winter collections....

So we are back with the runway shows...

Time does fly!!

In fact, we are reaching the final installments of the season... here, in the city of Fashion and Creation: Paris!

Runway shows will begin tomorrow and will reach their highest climax (at least for me) this Friday with Alber Elbaz show for Lanvin. It's the only show I'll actually be attending because I consider Elbaz a genius. But before everything kicks in, I've been watching the collections presented in New York, London and Milano, mostly to be well aware of what's coming...

In general I can say that for Fall-Winter 2010/2011 we'll still be seeing (luckily) a lot of miniskirts, shorts, and skirts above the knee... all of them to be used with dark opaque tights. Marc Jacobs tried to impose some longer skirts but they were not very flattering. Prada did the same... oh, well... it's your choice...

High-heel sandals are still in vogue, most of them very strappy, and to be used with socks! They do create a "bootie" effect which, paired with the correct skirt length, can bring fresh and young air to the final look.

Socks in Ferragamo's runway show

Of course, there were lots of booties too and some stilettos... not so many tall boots. It seems that designers are putting the focus of the look in shoes. Just check Pucci's collection (one of the nicest ever thanks to Swedish designer Peter Dundas) or Gucci's (much more classic than usual...).

It must be said: Winter collections are much more exciting and interesting than those of Summer... there are coats, furs, jackets... so much more creativity is needed!

As usual, I want to highlight Oscar de la Renta's, my favorite, which was sumptuous, luxurious and full of color... Delightful!

Full color De La Renta

Prada's... what can I say... I find that so much print is visually fattening, and the bra-detail-thing that she included in most of the dresses wasn't flattering either... We'll have to wait to see what will actually reach production and finally boutiques and stores.

I liked Dolce & Gabbana's runway show because they did what the know best... tailoring. Lots of jackets, short or long, crossed and not... all of them presented, for the sake of the mis-en-scene, by beautiful models (most of them from Russia) wearing only "culottes." I found them well-done, elegant and easy-to-wear. 

Roberto Cavalli's collection found inspiration in a bohemian chic woman, very Talitha Getty, with long romantic skirts, lace, fur coats, long scarfs and loose hair. Interesting, but not at all my style.

So, here in Paris, we reach the final destination of this adventure called Fashion... at least for Fall-Winter 2011...

He would have been 200 years old today! 

Turner et ses peintres au Grand Palais

Finally today I was able to see one of the most awaited exhibitions of the year: that of Joseph Mallord William Turner, a.k.a. JMW Turner, the great English artist of the 19th century. 

At the Grand Palais you can see Turner's paintings, but also those of his masters and rivals, all of who he took as inspiration from the day he graduated from London's Royal Academy of Arts till his very death bed in 1851.

Prolific artist indeed, he left 300 paintings, plus 20.000 drawings and watercolors and became the most important British landscape painter of his time. However, he always knew how to stay open to the work of others, learning without copying, giving shape to his unique artistic freedom that had its creative peak during the final years of his life. You can see this very clearly in the exhibit, specially when comparing his paintings with the works of Nicolas Poussin or those of Claude Gellèe (a.k.a. le Lorrain), which are absolutely outstanding. To prove it, just see his "Le Debarquement de Cleopatre à Tarse," which is breathtaking...!

Disembarkation of Cleopatra at Tarsus.

You can also see paintings by Tiziano, Rembrandt, Veronese, Watteau, Pierre-Henry de Valenciennes and by the English Thomas Gainsborough, August Well Callcott, Richard Parkers Bonington, among others. But most of all, I was impressed by Jacob von Ruysdael's "Sea Storm," which has an incfedible force!

Of course, I also adored some of Turner's paintings, as for example "La Plage de Calais," or his very own "Sea Storm."

Beach of Calais

The exhibition will be opened till May 24th and then will be taken to the Prado Museum in Madrid, from June 21st till September 19th.

Shutter Island

It's been so long since I've seen a high-impact-psychological thriller this catching!

I've just arrived from having watched Martin Scorsese's "Shutter Island" at the movies and I must tell you that it's tremendous and really good.

It's based on the novel by Dennis Lehane, who already wrote other novels which were adapted for cinema as "Mystic River" and "Gone, baby, gone" and has Leonardo di Caprio playing the main role. He's fantastical, as his fellow cast members: Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Max von Sidow and Michelle Williams.

The movie is dark, dense and long (2 hours 20 min, but you won't notice...), not at all a walk in the park... in fact, it's quite the opposite: the story develops on a prison for lunatics located on an impossible-to-escape island, 18 km from Boston during the 1950s...

But I won't tell you more, or I'll kill all the intrigue...

Just one thing: di Caprio may date the model of the season and change her for another as he ages... and this not because of this good looks, but simply because he is "a big star, maybe the big one..."

Sanremo Festival: Final Chapter

After five intense nights and the special appearance of guests from all over the World, from Jennifer López to Mary J. Blige, Michael Jackson's choreographer and a dozen songs... Sanremo Festival ended in a complete scandal!

And everything because of the televoting!

Let me tell it to you: in the past, music specialists, singers, composers and producers were part of the Jury. But for some time now, it's the people voting from home who decide who wins... They even have the power to put back in contest those who were previously eliminated. This is what happened with the trio of Prince Emanuele Philiberto de Savoia, who's a really nice, distinguished guy, but he sings like a dog... even worst, he's not even singing at all and he's just starting at this. I appreciate his effort... but there were a lot of really talented professionals in contest, such as Enrico Ruggeri or my favourite Malika Ayane, who have been doing music since childhood!

So, huge scandal at the Ariston Theatre, with the orchestra tossing to the air the pages of the scores while the audience was booing loudly... Never-before-seen here!!!

Malika was eliminated and the three final contenders were the Prince's trio and two other young singers, known here for having participated in other TV contests.

Back to televoting... and the winner is...?
Valerio Scanu, an almost twenty years boy with a romantic ballad... 

Valerio Scanu, the winner.

The runner-ups?

The trio!!! Can you believe it?

This morning people were already talking about some kind of cheating, involving the purchase of hundreds of telephone votes... By who? It's a mystery now...

Anyway, Malika Ayane won the Critics Award, which she totally deserved.

For next year's Festival, I would avoid the televoting or at least, put it under surveillance. 

As for the hostess, Antonella Clerici, she brought the highest ratings in the history of the broadcast of the Festival. However...
How can I put it...?

... I've never seen anyone worst dressed on stage than her...!! Poor Gai Mattiolo, who was in charge of her costume design... All those dresses had nothing to do with a slightly overweighted woman... in fact, they made her look fatter!

However, she seems to be what the Italian people want... apparently...

Audience and orchestra protesting...

C'est la vie.... Vanités de Caravaggio à Damien Hirst

This afternoon I had the pleasure of visiting an interesting and yet fascinating exhibition... that of the Vanitas (or skulls, as they are known in Spanish), an exploration of the complex bonds between life and death, reflected in the many ways of Art: paint, sculpture, jewelry and photography.

At the Musée Maillol of the Rue Grenelle, since February 3rd, you are sure to find long waiting lines by its doors. I've got my tickets on the Internet (bought them at the FNAC site) so I was able to skip the lines but not the resentful glances in all those who were still waiting to get inside...

The whole point of the exhibition is to prove that death is one of our many lives... so all those skulls are there to symbolize the fragility of life itself, pushing us to live more intensely the present. 

It's moving and horrifying to see how, from the very first of the Vanitas (that of Jacob de Gheyn, circa 1603) to 2009's diamond-incrusted skull of Damien Hirst (worth 50 million dollars), including Caravaggio's "Saint Francis meditating" or the fabulous painting by Zurbarán, most of the artists have taken the matter seriously, in a way free of God and Religion...

Caravaggio's Saint Francis meditating

I was impressed by the Basquiat and Robert Mapplethorpe's self-picture, who already ill, photographed himself holding a cane with a skull in its handle.

A special paragraph must be dedicated to the jewelry collection by Codognato, a famous dinasty of Venetian jewelers who, since the 19th Century, have been including skulls in all their pieces: earrings, necklaces and, of course, rings.

I saw amazing paintings, as Paul Cézanne's " Nature morte, crâne et chandelier" or that of George de la Tour, so unique with his use of light...

Paul Cézanne's Nature morte, crâne et chandelier

I returned with my soul and spirit full of beauty and art. And I couldn't help but think of "Memento Mori," which in Latin means Remember you'll die...

But it was worth it and I was released from my childhood fear of skulls.

In fact, as I was leaving the museum, I bought a souvenir t-shirt with a print in front.

Can you guess what it had?

A skull, of course!